Journal 6: Student Voices for Change

Journal 6: "Student Voices for Change" NETS-2

Miller, S. (June/July 2011). Student voices for change. Learning and Leading with Technology, 38(8), Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/digital-edition-june-july-2011.aspx

   

    In the fall of 2009,  a school in Iowa called Van Meter community school adopted a one laptop initiative in grades 6-12 and a strong technology focus throughout the district. The one laptop initiative ensures that every student is provided a laptop.  Since the initiative took place, the school environment has changed drastically where it is now an environment of respect, creativity, collaboration, and connection (McClintock 20.)  Students find their passion and their voices have been magnified as young educational activists.  The initiative greatly influenced their learning, and as a result these students gave testimonials to the Iowa House and Senate Education Appropriations committee.  McClintock states the students are now a voice for change in education and are making an impact on the future of all young people.  During the meeting, administrators and seven students from grades 5-12 spoke about their educational transformation through the use of technology. One student named Holly Baiotto in grade 10 talked about the virtual reality program and how she created connections with Rockwell Collins engineers and Iowa State University.  In this program, she developed 2D and 3D virtual reality projects on topics she was passionate about. Van Meter community school emphasizes on encouraging students to become leaders by embracing the thinking of the students and voicing their needs to be heard (McClintock 21.)  The author of the article also mentions that Van Meter community school highlights the importance of educating children to be comfortable with higher learning and to be confident young speakers.

Question 1: During the meeting where students gave testimonials, how did the committee react?

    As stated by McClintock, the legislators were amazed and moved.  Their question to the students and administrators was “what can we do to get out of your way?” which denotes that the school is making remarkable changes in education and the legislators of Iowa want to see more.  Some of the legislators thought the meeting was unforgettable and want to see this exhibited in other schools.  However, in any area of education, programs that are implemented take time and sufficient resources and funds.

Question 2: What did other students talk about during their testimonials?

    Another student named Maddy Darrah in grade 7 showed the committee a YouTube video called “Van Meter Student Connects with author Amy Efaw.”  The student explained how she made the connection with the author through Skype and Facebook.  There was also another student who is only in grade 5 and spoke about her blog, We Talk.  The work that the students are doing especially in technology goes beyond the basic standards of many schools.